Saturday, December 24, 2016

Baubles, Orbs, and Glitter by Paty Jager




Christmas Ornaments first came into use in Germany in the 16th century when a man wanted to make the tree more entertaining for children and added candles. The trees were also decorated with foods such as wafers, candies, fruits, and hard cookies baked in various shapes. Non-edible decorations were paper flowers and tinsels made from tin and silver.

In the 1800’s Lauscha, Germany was the main glass blown Christmas decoration manufacturers.  Other items used to make decorations at this time were: silk, wool thread, chenille and stiff spun glass.

The pickle ornament originated in Germany. It was put on the tree by parents to discover which of their children were the smartest. That child received an extra present from St. Nicholas.

Christmas trees and ornaments were introduced to England in 1840 when Queen Victoria married German Prince Albert. England added their own twist on decorations; paper baskets with sugared almonds, glass ornaments, decorative beads, and hot air balloons.

It was 1880 when Christmas decorations entered the United States. J.W. Woolworth imported the glass decorations for his store. Other American decorations were cut outs of old magazines, cotton wools, and tinsel.

Do you use traditional decorations or are you a rebel and decorate your tree with unique baubles? Do you decorate with a theme or just make the tree colorful and full of memories? 

I have to admit, I went with a theme one year and decided I like the chaos of years of decorations. 

If you're looking for a book to keep you company during the holidays, may I suggest, my latest re-release, Bridled Heart. The last part of the book takes place during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and ends on New Years Eve.

Bridled Heart
Contemporary Western Romance
 

ER nurse, Gina Montgomery, uses a self-imposed vow of celibacy to keep from getting too close to anyone. Music saved her from an abusive past. But that same solace compromises her solitary life when her piano playing draws the attention of a handsome bareback rider. 

Holt Reynolds let his sister down when she needed him most. Seeing similarities between his sister and Gina, he can’t get visions of the woman or her poignant music out of his mind. He vows to find a way to free her of her past and prays it doesn’t resurface and destroy their chance at happiness.

Universal Buy Link: Click here to find the ebook vendor of your choice.
 




Photos
© Can Stock Photo / 2mmedia 
© Can Stock Photo / borisss

6 comments:

  1. Paty, thanks for sharing this interesting history of Christmas ornaments. Hubby and I no longer put up a tree, mainly because our Christmas village has grown so big that we don't have room. However, we used to decorate our tree with glass ornaments and handmade ones, some made by our children when they were small and others we bought at craft fairs. We split them up between our son and daughter when we stopped having a tree. I spotted some on our daughter's tree last night when we spent Christmas Eve with her and her family. Brought back fond memories!

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    1. Lyn, we've had a small tree the last couple of years because we spent Christmas with our daughters. But I love a big tree and will have one again when everyone comes to our house for Christmas. I love the decorating.

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  2. Paty, we have a pickle for our tree just for fun. We didn't learn about the custom until our children were grown.

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    1. Caroline, my daughters told me about the pickle and the tradition.

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  3. I remember when my husband and I used to go once a year to Wilmington, NC or to Blowing Rock and we would buy one special ornament for our tree. It was so wonderful seeing them years later and remembering each trip.
    I loved the pictures of those beautiful ornaments and the history you wrote.
    I'm so sorry it took this long for me to get to your post. I really rnjoyed, Paty.

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    1. Hi Sarah, no problem! With all the hubbub of the season I'm just now getting to my post to respond! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I love the Christmas traditions.

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